Study business accounting support
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 16 teaching weeks, part-time available.
The maximum time to complete the programme part-time is 5 years. -
Start dates
February, May, July, October
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Qualification
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)Programme code: NZ2455 -
Credits
50 -
Locations
MIT Manukau and/or online (domestic students only)
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Domestic fees
$2,900 (approx.)
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International fees
NZD $10,834 (approx.)
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Interested in numbers? Kick-start your career in accounting support services.
Whether you are starting out in the business world or looking to build your skills, study accounting support services and get the core skills in accounting that can lead to well-paid job opportunities.
Study in class or online – or a combination of both. You will learn how to produce the financial information needed for tax returns and payroll, as well Xero Accounting. If you’re looking to work within the financial services profession, then understanding Xero accounting software could be critical to your career. Included in this programme is also the opportunity to complete an approved Xero Certification.
You will also develop communication skills and a combination of technical and people skills that will help you work well in a team and with clients.
Graduate ready to find a job in business and accounting support, such as an accounts officer or payroll officer.
Entry requirements
General
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 1, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits; or
- a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2; or
- a recognised equivalent.
English language requirements
All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.
International students: English language entry requirements
International applicants are required to have an IELTS (general or academic) score of 5.5 with no individual band lower than 5 from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules.
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below four courses (50 credits):
ACCY4201 Accounting Principles (15 credits)
Develop knowledge, skills and attributes to enable ākonga to apply accounting principles within the accounting cycle when producing financial information.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
- Apply accounting principles within the accounting cycle to support a business entity’s objectives
- Produce and communicate accounting information to stakeholders in a professional, ethical, socially and culturally appropriate manner
- Explain principles of team collaboration in preparing financial information for a business entity.
ACCY4202 Accounting Software (15 credits)
Develop knowledge, skills and attributes to use accounting software applications to produce and manage financial information to support a business entity’s objectives.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
- Use an accounting software application to produce financial information to support a business entity’s objectives
- Process accounts payable and receivable using software to manage financial transactions to support a business entity’s objectives
- Generate financial information to communicate professionally with relevant stakeholders in a business setting.
ACCY4203 Payroll for Accounting Support Services (10 credits)
Develop knowledge, skills and attributes to use a payroll system in a professional manner to support a business entity’s objectives.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
- Prepare payroll records to support a business entity’s objectives
- Apply professional and ethical behaviour in preparing payroll records to support a business entity’s objectives.
ACCY4204 Business Taxation (10 credits)
Develop knowledge, skills and attributes to work collaboratively and prepare business tax returns to support a business entity’s objectives.
Upon the successful completion of this course, ākonga will be able to:
- Use tax data to support the development of tax returns for a business entity
- Prepare tax returns to support a business entity’s objectives.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this qualification will have the skills and knowledge to be employed in a variety of business entities in accounting support roles including:
- Accounts officer
- Payroll officer
- Sole-charge administrator
- Accounts payable/receivable
- Credit controller or accounts assistant.
Graduates will also be able to contribute to community groups in volunteer accounting functions. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
“My mother graduated from MIT with a qualification specialising in medical administration and quickly got into a job as a ward clerk. Shortly afterwards she was promoted into another great position and she’s doing very well for herself.
For me, I saw myself doing something like this too. I wanted to work within a hospital, and I really enjoy the administration and customer service side. There are great job opportunities in medical administration and a lot of diversity within the hospital. I’m already a receptionist at Middlemore Hospital and by doing this course I hope to expand my career and become a ward clerk.
I chose MIT because it's the only place that offered this course (medical administration), it’s close to home, and my mother recommended both the course and the lecturers – she had such great things to say about the programme. It was an easy transition from high school and there is great flexibility so I can work part-time while studying. I had two days of onsite classes and one day of online classes. It’s clear and well-structured and I was able to complete most of my work and assignments within class hours.
I enjoyed the people, the culture, and the relationships I have developed over time with my lecturers. They were always there to help me out and really supported me in my journey.
If help is needed, help is always there for you.”
Anushka Mani
MIT graduate
“I chose MIT because it was convenient and easy to enrol. I have a passion for accounting. What I enjoy most about MIT is meeting people, especially people from other ethnicities. The lecturers are really good, they will help out if you are ever lost or need anything. You just don't get the same support at other institutes.
My dream job is to work at a bank or do something in accounting. My family is proud that I am following something that I am passionate about instead of doing what others tell me to do.”
Verrila Toai
MIT student
"Running a business is not easy. As my business grew I wanted to know more about business practices in New Zealand, so I enrolled at MIT. I’m not saying change is easy – it requires commitment and passion. But I believe we can shape the future, together.”
Simren Kohli
MIT graduate
“I loved that MIT gave me the flexibility to study while still being a full-time mum. I knew it was the right choice after doing a feasibility study of tertiary institutes in Auckland and MIT came out on top. It also helped me kick off my studies with a free office administration course while deciding my career prospects.
I’ve always been a people person with a goal of entering a management role, so HR seemed like a great fit. The practical elements of the course made my learning meaningful and through the internship programme I was offered a job.
I work as an associate recruitment consultant. It’s an extremely fulfilling role which includes, sourcing and building relationships with candidates, advertising vacancies, managing interviews, and negotiating contract terms.
During my studies, the lecturers provided professional guidance and they continue to give me valuable career support.”
Swastika Singh
MIT graduate
"I chose to study at MIT because they have small class sizes and my study could fit around my work and personal life. Also, the accounting degree was recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants which meant I could go straight into the profession once I graduated.
When I graduated from MIT my first job was with Transpacific Waste Management. One of the reasons they employed me was because I had gained a lot of practical skills at MIT, meaning I could hit the ground running when I started working for them.
My MIT degree has definitely given me a great foundation for my career."
Kirstin Burt
MIT graduate
“What I learnt at MIT, and especially in the medical admin course, was super helpful. It’s kind of the baseline to what I go back to throughout my day. If I’m stuck on something, I think back to what we learned there and it helps guide me to what I’m supposed to be doing.
My advice would be just to jump in and check it out because you never know what you are missing until you get into something. Just do it.”
Esther Zimri
MIT graduate
“I chose to study accounting support to prepare myself for a job and for further studies in the future. Accounting applies in every situation in life and growing up I had always loved numbers.
Before I started studying, I was a full-time stay-at-home mother of two beautiful daughters. I chose MIT because of the flexibility it offered, and the support from the lecturers. I was always provided with help and assistance. The constant encouragement from my lecturer and her hunger for my success, and for a better and brighter future, make me love MIT.
Everything I learned and studied; I’m currently applying in my role as a team administrator (clinical) at Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland. MIT prepared me well.
If you want to be successful, well-prepared to face the real world and be supported every step of the way – then MIT is the place for you. I have never met such loving lecturers who have always lived up to what the MIT values stand for, than the lecturers I had over my study period at MIT.
The support system and hunger for the success of the students from the lectures make MIT very unique."
Zeranya Pauga Faamoe
MIT graduate
Ready to put your plans in place?
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must meet New Zealand residency criteria. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 4 December 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. Where the fees are indicative, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.